Day Of The Comet By Ivar Jorgensen When the world you live on is about to be destroyed in a matter of hours, petty squabbles no longer seem important; only Time--and regret! [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy October 1956 Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] So far as the public was concerned, the comet was discovered at 10:00 a.m. on a Friday morning; just when Frank and Dee Allison were in the midst of their bitterest domestic quarrel. Dee had just spoken through clenched teeth: "I never knew I could hate a person the way I hate you." "I consider that an honor!" Frank snapped back. Then the music on the radio was cut off and the announcement was made--in the calm, impersonal voice of the announcer that gave it a flavor of grotesque unreality.... "--and so, although the discovery of the celestial interloper was made by astronomers some time ago, the announcement was delayed until all doubt as to its orbit had been dispelled. Thus, a direct and dismal statement becomes a matter of necessity--the earth is doomed--" Frank and Dee stared mutely at one another, trying to comprehend. "It's some kind of a gag," Frank said. Dee shook her head. "No--that was John Kalmus, the Green Network commentator who cut in. He wouldn't be a party to any hoax." Frank knew this of course, but the destruction of the world was a pretty big lump to swallow in a matter of seconds. They continued to stare at each other, taking the rest of the story into their numbed minds. The end would come at exactly 1:42 on Sunday. Prior to that time, there would be vast weather disturbances and tidal catastrophies the world over. But these would be far milder than what would ordinarily be expected because the comet was moving at such a tremendous rate of speed. There would be no long-drawn out suffering. "At least that's a blessing," Dee said. "Uh-huh. Say--I'll bet the churches will be crowded." "No doubt." Dee paused, and added, "How long since we've been to church, Frank?" * * * * * There had been a cabinet meeting and now the President of the United States was seated alone in his study. He picked up his phone and asked, "How about that call to the Kremlin? Why the delay?" The operator said, "The Premier was busy on the phone--not taking any calls, but it seems he was trying to get through to you. May I connect him, sir?" "By all means." The normally harsh voice of the Russian Premier was oddly quiet and pensive. "Mr. President?" "Mr. Premier. I was trying to get through to you." "They told me. How--how are things there? How are your people taking it in the United States?"